Some churches and Christians hurt more people than they help them. I’ve never agreed or been a fan of religious people trying to force their views on myself or others. It’s an unwise and ineffective approach. I’ve especially been annoyed anytime anyone has tried to force their will on me or what they claim God’s will is regarding my life. Smart Christians know there’s a lot of false prophets in this world, so it’s important to be careful about who you listen to and allow to access you. I’ve been a Christian since I was seven and grew up in a home with parents heavily involved in ministry so I can discern what’s spiritually sound and what’s not. I know how damaging some religious people can be, especially those who carry on as religious rapists. They’re often controlling, manipulative, legalistic, and do and say things that don’t make sense or using scripture to justify their own rules or some rules their pastor may have put in place, all while trying to force their views on other people. These types aren’t always obvious on sight. Many of them seem nice and inviting at first… until the moment you disagree, question, or challenge something they say or do. If you’ve ever talked with one, visited their church, or had them come at you and something felt off, things probably felt off for a reason. I get really upset when I find out or learn they’ve harmed someone. They often have a habit of going after naïve Christians and especially baby Christians too – which are Christians who haven’t been saved very long. Baby Christians are often easily influenced and can get deterred and harmed if they link up with the wrong church, wrong leaders, or wrong believers. Religious rapists can also cause a lot of damage if they say or do something offensive or unwise that could make a sinner never want to step foot in a church again. Christians who move and behave recklessly this way give Christianity a bad name. If you’re involved in any form or kind of ministry that moves this way, I highly recommend getting out as quickly as possible. Those kinds of ministries and their leaders are dangerous. If one claims to have a heart like Christ and desires to emulate his ways, it’s important to understand that Christ approached and reached out to some of the most unconventional people, in some of the most unconventional ways. Matter of fact, his squad (the 12 disciples) included people with questionable behavior, backgrounds, and methods. They weren’t religious rapists, and neither was Christ. I’ve been spending more time studying my word, unlearning old ways of thinking, and learning new ways about my journey as a believer, while casting off ways different churches, believers, and leaders claimed I should be. This journey is ongoing, and in the process, I hope to influence and help as many believers and non-believers as possible. Liberated thinking can’t be contained, controlled, silenced, or stopped. I do not consent.